While gum disease is easily preventable, it’s still incredibly common, affecting almost half of Americans over the age of 30. If symptoms progress, they can become much more difficult and even impossible to reverse. Patients who’ve been dealing with advanced gum disease for a while may think they’re running out of options, but that’s not the case at all. Read on to learn from your dentist in Chesapeake whether extracting your teeth can eliminate the infection for good and other solutions you may want to consider.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue that holds your teeth in place. It begins with bacterial growth in the mouth and may end with tooth loss if left untreated. The infection is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, causing plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth, resulting in inflammation.
Here are some common symptoms that could indicate you have gum disease:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Red and swollen gums
- Tender and bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Gum recession
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
Will Tooth Extractions Get Rid of Gum Disease?
Not necessarily! Tooth extractions won’t treat or cure your gum disease, but they can be a part of the treatment process to restore your oral health. If you have advanced periodontal disease, the infection may have already seriously damaged your gums and jawbone.
As a result, your teeth can become loose or even fall out on their own. Your dentist will recommend treatment options like scaling and root planing to hopefully eliminate the infection. Otherwise, an extraction may be your last viable option.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may benefit from one of the following treatment options:
- Scaling and Root Planing – This option involves removing bacteria and plaque along and below the gum line. Your dentist will smooth out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots to prevent future bacterial growth.
- Laser Periodontal Therapy – A dental laser can instantly sterilize and cauterize the area, reducing the risk of new infection and speeding up recovery time.
- Antibiotic Therapy – This is strongly recommended along with a deep cleaning and laser therapy. The medication will also help treat the remaining bacteria.
Just because you have gum disease, you don’t have to say goodbye to your teeth. With the help of your dentist, you can have a treatment plan that’ll get your smile back on track!
About the Author
Dr. Lucia Troisi became the new owner of this practice in November 2021. She earned her dental degree in Venezuela and has taken numerous continuing education courses in cosmetic and restorative dentistry to keep up with developments in the ever-evolving dental field. She looks forward to providing top-tier dentistry to patients in Chesapeake for many years to come. Dr. Troisi can utilize gum disease treatment to help your oral health recover before you take the step of tooth extraction. You can schedule an appointment on her website or call (757) 548-1611.